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They have their place in recreational, touring, commuting and utility cycling, but are a no-no for competitive cycling.

__________________"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey

I always found they didn't work that well (compared to a tree, wall or lamp post), were heavy, tend to rattle, get in the way etc. The one type I like is where the rear wheel ends up suspended off the ground, either on a big W shape, or on two separate feet, like on motorscooters.

Usually I just lean my bike against something. If it is heavily loaded, I actually prefer to lay it down (cyccommute eludes to why above). Either way, I have never found much use for them. Use them if you like them, though.

Maybe not. Two of my bikes have kickstands. The one comes in very handy. I use this bike as my walking the dog bike. When she needs to stop to do her business, I just hop off, put down the kickstand and wait until she is done. No need to find a tree or anything.

On my other bikes, I see no need for a kickstand. So I don't have them. I usually just find a tree, pole or something and use the pedal/sadddle trick to keep the bike up and in place.